International Convention Centre is a win for Auckland's visitor economy

A New Zealand International Convention Centre planned to be built in Auckland gets a strong vote of support from Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).

Following today’s announcement from Government that a world-class facility for 3,500 delegates will be established in Auckland, ATEED Chief Executive Michael Redman says this is an excellent step forward for Auckland and New Zealand’s conventions and incentives industry.

“The planned centre will enhance our ability to market destination Auckland and allow us to compete strongly on a global scale and attract international conventions that will have flow-on benefits for both Auckland and New Zealand’s visitor economy,” he says.

Conventions already generate $154 million for Auckland’s economy, with delegates spending four times more than a normal visitor spends per night.*

The convention market demand is typically off-peak and therefore enormously beneficial as it doesn’t hinder the peak leisure visitor periods.

As Auckland’s economic growth agency, ATEED recognises the importance of this high value industry and the ability to leverage opportunities across the region’s economic growth sectors.

ATEED has a dedicated team to attract international conventions, along with a focus on bidding for events aligned with Auckland’s new major events strategy.

“We look forward to partnering with industry to maximise the opportunities that the New Zealand International Convention Centre will bring, both for conferencing and pre and post visitor itineraries in Auckland and around the country,” says Redman.

The meetings, incentives and conventions industry currently contributes $398 million to New Zealand’s GDP.*

* Convention Delegate Survey – year end June 2010, Covec.